A Canberra man is expected to face Downing Centre Local Court today (26 November, 2025) charged with allegedly importing 16kg of methamphetamine into Sydney.
An AFP investigation began after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted the man, 19, and examined his suitcase after he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Vancouver, Canada on 29 September, 2025.
During the bag check, it is alleged three suspicious packages containing 16kg of a crystal-like substance were found. Subsequent testing of the substance allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with ABF officers notifying the AFP a short time later.
Police allege the man, who was booked on a connecting flight to the Gold Coast, was approached by an unknown individual on social media offering him $3500 for the illegal importation of vapes from Canada to Australia.
He allegedly travelled to Vancouver on 23 September, 2025, and collected the suitcase, which he believed contained vapes, before returning to Australia on 29 September, 2025
AFP officers seized the methamphetamine and the man's laptop and phone for further forensic examination. No vapes were found in the suitcase.
The man was subsequently arrested, and faced court on 30 September, 2025, charged with:
- One count of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He was formally refused bail and remanded in custody to next appear in court on 26 November, 2025.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Aaron Burgess said anyone who offered money for the movement of illicit substances was not to be trusted.
"Importing narcotics on behalf of criminal enterprises props up the drug trafficking industry and fuels further crime and harm in our communities," Det a/Supt Burgess said.
"The money is not worth the consequences you may face. If caught, you face losing some of the best years of your life sitting in a prison cell.
"This seizure has prevented $14.8 million in potential drug profits going into the pockets of criminals, and the AFP and ABF continue to work together every day to detect and disrupt this activity."
ABF Acting Superintendent Christopher Hodkinson said criminal syndicates would go to great lengths to lure and exploit people for their own gain.
"Our message to people who are tempted by these types of illegal activities is clear: No offer is worth the risk," a/Supt Hodkinson said.
"Our officers are expertly trained to anticipate and detect these concealment methods, and you will be caught out.
"We continue to urge those in the community that are approached by criminal groups to seek the help of authorities, rather than resort to criminal activity themselves.
"The ABF is committed to protecting the Australian community, and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure these dangerous substances don't make it to our streets."
